Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park
4.5
About
Fort Edmonton Park is nestled on 158 acres of wooded parkland along Edmonton’s River Valley and began as a Canada Centennial reconstruction project in 1967. Our expansive, multi-attraction space provides a community gathering place for guests, whether it be a park visit, a private function, or a special event. Every visit is a new adventure filled with immersive and unique experiences. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Rotary Club of Edmonton and the Fort Edmonton Foundation, the experience continues to expand upon Edmonton's story.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,768 reviews
Excellent
1,082
Very good
542
Average
90
Poor
31
Terrible
23
Lisa W
Zama City, Canada145 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I haven’t been to Fort Edmonton Park in years and was expecting more. The renovations or upgrades do not really seem to fit, ran out of time to see the new Indigenous exhibit, as we really didn’t know it was new or any different that the rest of the wall thru exhibits until we were boarding the train at 4:30. The modern (doesn’t fit with theme) gift shop was packed with people looking to spend money, felt empty and was lacking overall. The construction evidence of dirt and weeds everywhere was distracting. Full cost admission and many of attractions /exhibits were fully open and operating, including the trolley car. Nothing to see on the train ride other than the train itself.
I still enjoyed the visit as my tour companions are awesome and helped fill the entertainment gaps. Good place to spend some time, but a little expensive and disappointing with what is actually operating / open.
I still enjoyed the visit as my tour companions are awesome and helped fill the entertainment gaps. Good place to spend some time, but a little expensive and disappointing with what is actually operating / open.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy P
1 contribution
Aug 2021
I bought a summer pass to Fort Edmonton Park as it is my favourite place in Edmonton. I especially was looking forward to the new Indigenous Experience. As a history teacher, I spent hours at this exhibit, taking the time to read everything. It is very informative.
I was disappointed with my experience in the rest of the Park. The Bazaar, Ukr Bookstore, Trading Post, Jasper House and Mosque are all closed, as well as other exhibits. Thick layers of dust could be seen in the buildings. The large piles of dirt from construction in the Park are unsightly.
As for the food, I found the new caterers to be inefficient. We were the first customers of the day and had to wait 20 minutes for our sandwiches, only to discover that my order was wrong. The food itself was subpar; neither my daughter nor I finished our food.
I found the "funhouse" to be lame and the giftshop lacking in selection. Approaching the Park, tall, white poles line the walkway that seem very out of place for a heritage attraction. The ticketing building has much too modern of a design. So many missed opportunities with this revamp. Excellent exhibits were sadly lost. Apart from the Indigenous Experience, I don't see any great improvements to the park.
I was disappointed with my experience in the rest of the Park. The Bazaar, Ukr Bookstore, Trading Post, Jasper House and Mosque are all closed, as well as other exhibits. Thick layers of dust could be seen in the buildings. The large piles of dirt from construction in the Park are unsightly.
As for the food, I found the new caterers to be inefficient. We were the first customers of the day and had to wait 20 minutes for our sandwiches, only to discover that my order was wrong. The food itself was subpar; neither my daughter nor I finished our food.
I found the "funhouse" to be lame and the giftshop lacking in selection. Approaching the Park, tall, white poles line the walkway that seem very out of place for a heritage attraction. The ticketing building has much too modern of a design. So many missed opportunities with this revamp. Excellent exhibits were sadly lost. Apart from the Indigenous Experience, I don't see any great improvements to the park.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
1 contribution
Aug 2023
Haven't been to this place since 2000 or 2001. I remember it being a lot better, and bigger. I don't know how, but the houses seem a lot more spaced out now than they did back then, like they've taken down some houses or something. It would take me about ten minutes to walk from the entrance of the park to the back of it. I could never recall it being this small. Perhaps my memory is just shoddy.
Their 'giftshop' is incredibly mediocre, borderline terrible. There's nothing to buy there. I remember the gift shop being in the actual park itself, on 1905 street? (don't quote me on that). Now it's at the entrance and it's entirely modern, with glass windows and such. Twenty years ago, you were able to purchase toy bow and arrows at the shop. Now, you can't so much get anything besides a shirt with the word 'Fort Edmonton Park' emblazoned on it. Fantastic. They could've at least sold stetson hats, I guess that's asking for too much.
I remember the train going a lot faster than it does now too. Why is there even a trolley car that goes through the park? They charge you $5 for a horse wagon ride when I can ride a trolley car for free. Makes no sense.
The best parts of the park were the new indigenous exhibit and the Selkirk bar, where I was able to order a few pints of Alley Kat to drink away my sorrows.
Their 'giftshop' is incredibly mediocre, borderline terrible. There's nothing to buy there. I remember the gift shop being in the actual park itself, on 1905 street? (don't quote me on that). Now it's at the entrance and it's entirely modern, with glass windows and such. Twenty years ago, you were able to purchase toy bow and arrows at the shop. Now, you can't so much get anything besides a shirt with the word 'Fort Edmonton Park' emblazoned on it. Fantastic. They could've at least sold stetson hats, I guess that's asking for too much.
I remember the train going a lot faster than it does now too. Why is there even a trolley car that goes through the park? They charge you $5 for a horse wagon ride when I can ride a trolley car for free. Makes no sense.
The best parts of the park were the new indigenous exhibit and the Selkirk bar, where I was able to order a few pints of Alley Kat to drink away my sorrows.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori Lynn
Edmonton, Canada94 contributions
Aug 2022
This is one of my favorite places to visit. The park has been upgraded since COVID. I love having sunday brunch at the Selkirk hotel during the summer. The actors/workers in the park are very friendly and informative. It is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
browncondo2102
Kitchener, Canada1,767 contributions
Jul 2021
Unfortunately the smoke from the fires had the index at 10+ so all outdoor events and activities were closed down. e decided to go in and make the best of it anyway. First we took the steam locomotive to the fort itself. Seeing the inside room and stores and kitchen with reenactment staff added to the enjoyment. The troops must have all be out on patrol as there were none to be found.
Then we took a walk through time to the different eras of the ares. Shops and homes and facilities of years gone by was very interesting.
The history was also shown on film at the Capital Theatre.
One of my favorite stops was at Bills Fabulous Fountain for a scoop of Saskatoon Berry Pie Ice Cream on a waffle cone. Soooooooooooooo good.
You can upgrade your tickets to a season pass if you'd like.
I'm sure the kids will be back when the amusement area is open again.
Then we took a walk through time to the different eras of the ares. Shops and homes and facilities of years gone by was very interesting.
The history was also shown on film at the Capital Theatre.
One of my favorite stops was at Bills Fabulous Fountain for a scoop of Saskatoon Berry Pie Ice Cream on a waffle cone. Soooooooooooooo good.
You can upgrade your tickets to a season pass if you'd like.
I'm sure the kids will be back when the amusement area is open again.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn J
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Hmmm. The indigenous pavilion was absolutely a stunning experience. Once inside the entrance, the floor it up with amazing displays and the displays/information flowed from there. Worth going just for this. Other areas outside of the Indigeous pavilion looked tired and soulless. Some of the staff/volunteers were great, whlle others didn't really seem interested in being there. We eventually settled on the Selkirk for a bite to eat. The 'hostess' wasn't able to answer basic questions. The food was good. Server was great. Dirty/uncleaned tables surrounded us for most of our visit.
Back to the Indigenous experience. Good luck trying to read the thoughtful, educational and interesting displays. Why, oh why would they all be in the dark?! The active lighting experience would not be impacted by actually allowing paid guests to see/read the displays. No doubt a deliberate 'management' decision. I'm sure staff and vols must have to hear visitors lament all the time that they couldn't see the displays to read.
Back to the Indigenous experience. Good luck trying to read the thoughtful, educational and interesting displays. Why, oh why would they all be in the dark?! The active lighting experience would not be impacted by actually allowing paid guests to see/read the displays. No doubt a deliberate 'management' decision. I'm sure staff and vols must have to hear visitors lament all the time that they couldn't see the displays to read.
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol S
North Bend, OR36 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I read some reviews that made me skeptical of this place. But honestly, how do you beat this? The new indigenous center is incredible! This whole place is like a world of museums and historical sites all wrapped into one amusement park! With… An amusement park!
The entry fees dirt cheap and there’s so much to see! I spent approximately four hours here and I think I rushed it.
Highly recommend!
The entry fees dirt cheap and there’s so much to see! I spent approximately four hours here and I think I rushed it.
Highly recommend!
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chantalle Kipp
Leduc, Canada131 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I haven’t visited the park since I was a young child so it was neat to come back as an adult. They have added some areas but a majority is how I remember it. The midway was updated a a fun time. Enjoyed showing our little one the sites and plan to return again as there is so much to see.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tvler8
St. Albert, Canada948 contributions
Sept 2021
The entire experience was great. It is nice to be out in fresh air even though COVID rules have been reintroduced. The train is always fun. The street car is worth the ride. And the Ice Cream Shop is to die for
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy_rah79
Sidney, Canada43 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This place is awesome. Some things were closed because of smoke from wildfires, but you could reschedule. The New Indigenous Peoples Exhibit is amazing and eye opening. The Fort Itself is great as well as the historical streets. There is so much to see-don’t miss the movie at the theatre! Plan to spend the whole day.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long should I plan to visit as a family with a 5-y-old and a 7-y-old?
Written April 19, 2022
Is it okay to do this on October 26/27, 2019? would it be too cold? we have a 2 year old baby with us. thanks
Written August 11, 2019
We were there in winter, with a lot of snow on the ground. But it was OK, and should be better in fall. Just wrap up!
Written October 5, 2019
Wesley S
Kamloops, Canada
Coming to Edmonton in May is this a place to visit or will it still be under Construction for the 2019 year?
Written February 24, 2019
Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton, Canada
Hi there, the Park will be closed for general admission due to the enhancement project. We will however be open for special events so stay tuned for more info on our website!
Written March 29, 2019
Hello there are you going to be open to public around Christmas 2018? We are travelling to Edmonton Dec.21st - 30th. If yes, what can we expect at Fort Edmonton? Thanks in advance... Vlad Fischer
Written October 10, 2018
Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton, Canada
Hi there Helena! We are in fact closed for general admission over the winter months. However, we will still be hosting special, ticketed events. More information on Christmas events will be posted to our website in November!
Written October 16, 2018
Hello, Will you be open between Sunday 16th - Sunday 23rd September?
Written August 17, 2018
Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton, Canada
Hi there! Our last day of operation is September 3rd, but we also host events throughout the year. For example, our Harvest Hoedown will be taking place on September 21! We recommend keeping an eye on the event page on our website.
Written August 27, 2018
Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton, Canada
Hi Elaine! Fort Edmonton Park is a bicycle free zone, and bikes are not allowed inside the Park.
Written July 24, 2018
Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton, Canada
No pets are allowed on-site with the exception of guide dogs!
Written July 24, 2018
Fort Edmonton Park
Edmonton, Canada
Hi Rachel! Our steam train is currently on break while it undergoes some maintenance, but it can accommodate some strollers within the maximum measurements of 24 inches wide by 48 inches long when open and unfolded. We have more info on accessing the park with a stroller on our website under 'strollers and pets'. You can find it easily using the search tool!
Written June 11, 2018
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